Sayoc Kali

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Sayoc Kali is but one of the many facets of the Sayoc Fighting System. As currently taught by the 5th generation inheritor of Sayoc Kali, Tuhon Chris Sayoc emphasizes that the Sayoc Kali system emphasizes the correct and effective usage of the blade. Sayoc Kali includes knowledge of how to use a single knife, with a progression to the use of multiple blades, in conjunction with empty-hands training.

Included in these categories of training are proper handling or blade edge discipline, drawing the blades, vital target discrimination, defense against and the practice of disarms, projectiles and finger-touch methodology used in conjunction with knife work. Students are also taught critical injury management.

The Sayoc system has several categories of training. The training is in three parts. Sayoc Kali, the first part that is taught is in the offensive and contains the basic teaching formula.

We call this person the “Feeder.” This is started in single blade. Sayoc Silak, the second part of the training is in the counter offensive and contains the learning formula.

We call this person the “Receiver” and this is started in the empty hands. Once the receiver’s basics are established and the skills are equal to the feeder’s basics and in order to complete the training system, the third phase of training is introduced.

Sayoc Bakal compliments both Sayoc Kali and Sayoc Silak. It works as a complete system with students trained in either Sayoc Kali or Sayoc Silak.

The goal, however, is to have training in this order Sayoc Kali, followed by Sayoc Silak, and then on to Sayoc Bakal. These three systems together complete the Sayoc System of Edged Weapons Dynamics. The 2 main categories are single blade and multiple blades:

Feeder, single blade — Receiver, empty hands

Feeder, multiple blades — Receiver, multiple blades

In the past, the Sayoc family developed sub-systems to adapt to mainstream martial arts to be taught in our first public martial arts school in Queens, New York that was opened in 1972.

The categories taught were many as one of our primary objectives was to inform and educate the public. Though, we no longer teach these methods, we now use them as examples and reference. These were the categories and order in which they were taught from 1972 through 1982.

single stick (28”-32”)

empty hands (foot works, body mechanics)

double stick (24”-32”)

stick and dagger

dagger (single blade-multiple blades)

tabak-toyok (single/double)

pana (projectile in assorted sizes)

long stick (36”-50”)

whip (4’-12’) (single/double)

staff/spear

short stick (18”-24”)/tabak-maliit (single/double)

shield and stick

What is the first thing that a beginning student is taught when they enter your style?
Very important to the beginning student’s understanding and appreciation of Sayoc Kali is respect for the blade. Minimizing overestimation of self-defense edge weaponry capabilities.

It is important for the student to learn how and why a blade is used. Even more important is the understanding of how this particular type of knowledge was gained…via the loss of life and sacrifice and actual combat experience by the Sayoc lineage over the generations.

The value of the knowledge and skills of Sayoc Kali was gained through suffering and strife, and therefore not something to be undertaken casually. Only the most dedicated and promising students will be considered for training.

Once the students seem to understand the seriousness and intrinsic value of Sayoc Kali, they are then taught the basic differences of other knife systems as compared to the Sayoc Kali system. Often this promotes a “shock value” to what the students are exposed to, in essence jarring them into the reality of edged weapon practicalities.

Blade orientation and respect for the blade is always taught first. The Sayoc practitioner is always with their blades, and hence, it is a natural evolution to begin a study of how to carry and holster their weapons.

Traditionally, in the Sayoc system, it has been emphasized to be comfortable and familiar with carrying a multitude of blades and weapons. Training considerations always involve use of primary and then secondary blades, and as one develops in skill and understanding, the number of blades that can be carried upon one’s person begins to grow as well.

There is a rationale for this seemingly excessive reliance upon a large number of blades, as strategy and technique flourish within the Sayoc system.

A new practitioner is taught is that what they are about to learn is Filipino blade culture from the Sayoc family of Imus, Cavite in the Philippines. The Sayoc family system is an “all blade — all the time system.”

This system is now being presented by Christopher Castañeda Sayoc, Sr., a 5th generation inheritor and primary propagator of Sayoc Kali – The Art of the Blade. Mr. Sayoc was indoctrinated into the world of security at the very early age.

Mr. Sayoc is known for his expertise in edged weapons and tactics and currently teaches and lectures on this subject. The first lesson is preparing to exercise the brain.

Each person is indoctrinated with the phrase “ knife fighting is a brain game, the smarter you are, the better you will be.” The following will cover the introduction level training structure:

What is the progression in training from beginner to advanced?
Beginners are first introduced to blade handling skills. They are introduced to proper gripping methods, the different components of the blade and are then introduced to blade selection and targeting.

As the students progress, they are introduced into methods of footwork, holstering and methods of rapidly acquiring and putting their weapons into play.

As students progress, they are introduced to a greater number of vital templates and drills. The drills are designed to teach body movement, footwork, target discrimination —minimizing dangerous involuntary reactions (trained responses or otherwise) ; linking Sayoc Kali with other martial arts systems.

During training, students are presented with a series of probing techniques. These probes are designed to elicit levels of response. As a given level of response is initiated, correction is made and concepts introduced which allow the students to progress in their understanding and application of skills.

The progression is very simple. A student will start with blade orientation and will continue through the memory installation process until the basic formulas are installed and functional. The introduction will continue through to the thought provocation method of memory retention and then to the correct response method of learning.

You will progress as fast as you can process, retain and apply the information. Once the basic learning formula has been established, it is then demonstrated and explored how and why the system logic exists. Each part of the Sayoc system of blade work is taught as an independently complete system with the student unaware of the existence of the other parts.

The primary system is called Sayoc Kali, which is the feeder or armed phase of training. All contents in this phase are feeder dominant. This means that the entire training, learning and teaching system is directed towards the development of the feeder.

The feeder is the only one learning with the training formula. Therefore in Sayoc Kali, there is no training directed to the receiver or defensive aspect. The design of this Filipino martial arts is feeder based, this is because the feeder was usually the best offensive blade person around and this was passed on from father to son, through only the offensive skills.

There was diminutive need to learn the defensive aspects since it would take an equal amount of time to achieve this skill, when one could learn just the offensive aspects to defeat opponents due to more experience in using the same techniques by bringing the conditioned responses of the lesser trained, higher.

It was up to the feeder to train the receiver, which in turn develops only a lesser skilled feeder because the secondary feeder does not know the formula and would not have the “Correct Response” training.

From this foundation, the students are introduced to various knife tapping or flow drills, which teach a series of transitional movements. From these transitional movements it is possible to derive isolated interpretations and applications of knife-fighting techniques.

Sayoc Kali knife training is extensive. There are over 36 basic templates for knife work with an equal amount for the non-dominant hand, more than 10 transitional flow drills and an additional number of knife drills taught after the transitional flow drills have been mastered.

A system of footwork is taught, methods of limb immobilization and lower limb/upper limb destruction are taught in conjunction with the patterns and flows of knife work.

The next part of the Sayoc system of training is Sayoc Silak. We refer to Sayoc Silak as the counterpart for Sayoc Kali. This is the receiver or unarmed phase.

While considered the unarmed phase, this is not to be confused with not having the ability or means of carrying or possessing blades to counter an opponent.

Typically, in training, the blades of the receiver are holstered, and the skills are unarmed dominant. Silak provides for the development of empty hand skills, footwork, and body mechanics necessary to trap, lock, position and disarm the feeder or aggressors’ blades.

The goals of training in Sayoc Silak are for retention of one’s blades, positioning of incoming attacks, preparation for weapons release and for the loading of one’s dominant hand with more blades for various uses.

The unique approach to the Sayoc Silak is the way in which it is taught and presented. The Silak techniques are incorporated directly into the transitional flow drills; hence, the techniques are always practiced against a moving opponent, as opposed to just having a partner stand in a static position with his weapon in a fixed and immobile position to allow the partner to properly execute techniques.

In Sayoc Silak the main objective is training the receiver. Sayoc Silak is receiver dominant. This equation is lost to feeder only systems.

How long must a student spend on each area before progressing to the next?

Progression is dependent upon the students’ level of skill and ability to apply knowledge and understanding upon demand. Students will demonstrate their ability to move on to higher levels through their correct responses and ability to adapt to techniques applied to them in the high-speed environment of the knife drills.

A series of counters to the given strikes is taught and then delivered to oppose the strikes. Two given responses serve as counters to a knife strike. The two responses are either a reflexive response or a conditioned response.

The reflexive response may be thought of as those responses and reactions an untrained knife fighter would use. The conditioned response is a learned response taught specifically to defend optimally against a given attack.

From a feeders’ perspective, it is desirable to elicit the reflexive responses of an opponent, this makes the aggressors vulnerable and subject to the trained knife fighter’s whim.

Sayoc Kali has training formulas for different reflexive and conditioned responses. In order to attain the skills necessary to engage an untrained or reflexive response, a student must understand and explore the ways these reflexes can be triggered.

It is after an understanding is achieved of these two response methods, that the third and ultimate level of response is achieved, the correct response. It is a difficult progression to develop the correct response.

Sayoc Kali uses formulas for development that teaches both the feeder and the receiver the proper means to grow in skill, and experience. The formula involves escalating both the feeders’ responses, as well as the receivers’ responses to achieve maximum potential.

Once the feeder knows how to trigger the reflexive response of the receiver, it is possible to now physically and mentally implant oneself with the conditioned response.

The conditioned response is the trained reaction to the opponents’/receivers’ reflexive response. After exploring the conditioned response, the feeder must learn how to elevate the receiver’s response (the opponent’s conditioned response) thereby making it more difficult for the feeder to react with a conditioned response.

Finally, by trying to keep up with the higher level of the opponent’s/receiver’s response, we are therefore, forced to use the Correct Response, which is the most effective conditioned response to a given number of reflexive responses.

The Correct Response is the result of the best choices from a given number of conditioned responses. You will progress as fast as you can process, retain and apply the materials.

It is required that you work with as many individuals as possible to reach a sensory database that will help you understand and properly learn the training formulas.

What are the particular fighting principles or concepts used in your style?
Of primary concern is to finish the opponent with little or no injury to oneself. It is crucial to be able to determine the exact desired extent of the damage applied through the blade…from how to gain lethal entry, to total dismemberment of the body, if necessary…and to death.

Through the proper performance of the drills and total seriousness of intent during practice. Students are taught formulas and concepts of application of skill.

These formulas for practice allow students to enhance the quantity of information gathered from their opponents/partners during actual physical contact.

Through escalating levels of physical challenge and physical contact through the drills, students develop familiarity, sensitivity, and the proper sense of body movement.

How are these concepts or principles actualized in movement?

Through the proper performance of the drills and total seriousness of intent during practice. Students are taught formulas and concepts of application of skill.

These formulas are practiced allowing students to enhance the awareness of information gathered from their opponents/partner’s responses during actual physical contact.

Escalation of the physical challenge and contact through the drills develops a student’s familiarity, sensitivity, and the proper sense of body movement.

One of the principles that we use is upon closing the fighting gap is that we do not we use techniques that attack the incoming limbs. We use our opening attacks to penetrate vital targets. This allows for better management of the targets reflexive counters and eliminates the teasing of the target that wastes time.

Every movement can be applied with single blade, empty hands and double blade without any adjustments or modification of the techniques. This ensures that your blade to empty hand and empty hand to blade translations will not have a detrimental outcome to the user.

We will launch our blades as projectiles while we are closing in to determine the targets’ level of training and reflexes. This information will be used to identify and manipulate the target so lethal entry can be gained. Projectiles can be launched at any range especially the point blank or zero zone. This tactic eliminates the targets’ use of the de-fang the snake concept. Projectiles can be released from any position and at any range. The primary range of throwing is at the furthest distances of 25’ to 35’+. At this range, it is near impossible to see the projectiles being launched towards an aggressor. Within this relatively safe distance, the opponents will have their reflexive responses most visible and able to be dealt with. The distance of 15’ to 25’ is the secondary range. Here we are at a distance where an opponent can be closed upon before their holstered weapons are drawn. Close range is from 15’ to 5’. At this range, opponents are forced to engage the thrower, or to evade. As the opponents evade, the thrower has greater possibilities of projectiles being able to penetrate the turning and evading bodies. The zero zone range is less than 5’ and represents the common flow drill distance range encountered in the methodologies used in Sayoc Kali and Sayoc Silak. When closing in on the target, students will train in the launching of multiples of blades before they reach the zero zone entry range. Strategies are also taught to force opponents into vital postures and positioning, making them vulnerable to the practitioners’ skill. The projectiles enable us to effectively make the opponents’ reactions predictable. As weapons are thrown at an opponent, it is clear to see whether or not, the opponents have a viable defense against such attacks. These projectiles also serve to keep an opponent out balance, and cause them to move and react in ways to slow them down from either reaching their own weapons, or causing them to be in an awkward position as the Sayoc practitioner closes in. By observing the opponents’ body mechanics in reaction to the thrown weapons, it is possible to predict target areas and further projectiles may be applied toward them typically, if enough weapons are available, the projectiles would be directed towards either side of an opponent, and at the centerline. Some of the targets chosen would be towards the feet or the thighs, and obviously towards the face. Various trajectories, and speeds of the throws will be used against opponents to facilitate a desired response.

We do not rely on just speed and power; we rely on correct response movements that will always defeat the targets reflexes and conditioned responses. In blade work, the smarter you are, the better you will be. If the techniques you are using are based on speed and power, then anyone with equal attributes stands the same chances, then you both suffer damage.

There are a series of tactics that will lure the receiver or the opponent into reaching for one or more of the holstered blades. When carrying more than one blade which may be exposed, opponents (receivers) will often fixate upon the weapon, and attempt to grab hold of, or remove the given holstered blade, believing that it is easier to remove a weapon that potentially is a threat, as opposed to a weapon that may already be drawn. The aggressor/receiver will often try these tactics because they believe the action of obtaining an additional blade will help to even the odds or gain advantage versus the feeder. Hence, the feeder who is armed with multiple blades also is forced to develop natural weapons retention skills at a reflexive stage, the responses and reactions to such actions by an opponent, must be fast, correct and effective to prevent injury to himself. We will draw blades as needed. When the target applies to trap our blade, we release that blade which cancels the effect of the trap or we may bait the target by faking a blade dislodge which distracts the target and load the dislodged hand. We take full advantage of applying the target fixation factor. When the target goes to retrieve the fallen blade or believe that he has successfully disarmed the blade, we produce another blade. We use a series of blade draws and blade manipulations which make it difficult for the target to track the number of blades deployed, this is frustrating and surprising to a target that hasn’t dealt with multiple blades in large numbers.

The Sayoc Kali system of knife work includes methods of targeting different vital points of the body. These targeting systems are known as vital templates. This is in contrast to systems that commonly just present a system of angles by which to deliver knife strikes which may or may not have an equivalent degree of effectiveness. We apply our left hand vital templates that were developed to counter the right hand vital templates. The right hand vital templates are designed to counter reflexive and conditioned responses. The left hand vital templates were designed to react to correct responses. We have a third set of vital templates the react to both the right and left hand. With the feeder’s right hand holding a blade, the feeder’s left hand counters, intercepts attack and may even substitute for the right hand. In still movements and in forms you will see the left hand placed over the solar plexus as a protector from the centerline zone. In Sayoc Kali, the left hand has its own set of vital templates and would have its own blade. This means that you have two dominant weapons wielding hands. In a dominant right-handed user, the left hand will not be placed in front of the solar plexus. The left hand is expected to busily loading the right hand with another blade, in conjunction with drawing for left hand entries as well. The vital templates of the left hand are NOT mirror images of the right hand. They are independent vital templates that work in reaction to the right hand and vice-versa. The left hand vital templates can be applied in combination with the right hand vital templates in a variation of timing entries including a simultaneous attack. The overview would be that the right hand vital template is aggressive and is designed to trigger the receiver’s reflexive response and conditioned response. The left hand vital template complements the right and has been designed to react to the receiver’s conditioned response. This particular vital template formula leads the receiver to minimize their successful responses. There is an equal amount of vital templates for the left and right hand. There are 36 basic vital templates and there are hundreds more.

In multiple man situations, we use our loader principle. In the past, strategy used by the Sayoc clan positioned less experienced close range fighters at a safe range to allow them to use the Sayoc Bakal projectile methods. By doing this, these fighters were able to maintain a longer range of confrontation, and thereby assure themselves of a greater success of walking away unscathed. It was the responsibility of the more skilled and experienced fighters to close the entry gap and actually engage their opponents. These types of strategies used in buddy system maneuvers allowed practitioners of all skill levels to deal with a group of opponents in confrontation. This served to keep beginners or protected ones from becoming a liability factor in combat. Opponents and aggressors were effectively distracted or eliminated by projectiles. These types of tactics clearly enhanced the ability of practitioners to close the distance and enter on enemies that had been injured. As the front line of fighters closed on the opponents, the throwers would have the responsibility of moving behind them, retrieving weapons and disabling any opponents still moving.

Blade positioning for stealth. One method of addressing this is from the draw or sheathed blade position. The blades are drawn from a multiple of locations, which are easily accessible to the feeders’ passing hands. Once the weapons are drawn, the dominant weapon hand applies techniques, which obstruct the opponent’s view of the blade, such as in the right hand vital templates showing the edge of blade, in a slide through, or thrust position, which disguise the size of the weapons.

Pattern combination technique, An “S” pattern is a series of 3-strike combination. These entries outline angles that consist of thrusts and “C” cuts that are semi-circular patterns. These types of strikes’ combinations are based on timing and multiple re-directions. Commonly applied within the vital templates and knife transition flow drills, these techniques prepare the feeder to logically react to the receiver’s normal reflexive and conditioned reflexive responses. “This particular training formula develops the feeder’s proper reflexive responses while under stress from the receiver’s lethal target intentions.” Unlike the practice of the less visible “stealth” draw, the exercise of the “S” pattern presents the initial strike as a telegraphed attack. This allows the receiver to react more expecting versus an unfamiliar angle or entry. Meaning the receiver already has developed a “comfortable” conditioned response to the feeder’s opening telegraphed attack, thereby “baiting” them for the following combination of unfamiliar attacks; setting the receiver up into responding with an impractical reflexive defense or counter . In training, the “S” pattern is applied in combinations of three or more strikes until 3 lethal strikes have been executed effectively. Within the combinations of strikes, there are several types of strikes and gripping techniques used. These strikes are reflections to the personality of the vital templates shown. One of these strikes is termed the power-assisted strikes. The power assists techniques can be best described as a nail being driven through by a hammer. The nail that represents the blade can be in various sizes, designs and lengths usually suited for a particular movement that is not confined or restricted. The hammer which represents the other hand pushing the pommel of the blade, a shoulder, elbow, knee or any part of the body that will assist in generating force or positioning for the generation of force. There are no limits to the tactics, just the applicable intelligence of the feeder. Another type of strike is termed, the winding strikes and winding thrusts.

What are some of the training methods unique to your style?

Sayoc Kali does not use general lines of motion or angles of attack. Instead, Sayoc Kali uses 36 different vital templates of targeting. These templates are specific for different weapons, and purposes, and are presented in such a way as to allow progression for understanding and development.

Transitional flow drills (12) of them are presented to serve as a bridge between Sayoc Kali and other systems of combat. The transitional flow drills have steps, which are more pronounced and are designed to teach familiarity and skill with using the blade.

The Sayoc Kali knife drills which are separate from the transitional flow drills, tend to have more direct movements, which use more natural body motion and contain more subtleties for application of the knife; economizing power arcs for close quarter work and honing blade edge discipline.

We use all blade – all the time

We use single blade to multiple blades in a wide range of sizes and designs

We use formulas for teaching and learning of all techniques

We teach concepts, theories, methodologies, strategies and tactics as a whole

We use 36 basic vital templates and introduce hundreds more

We apply the vital templates to moving targets

We use an equal amount of vital templates for the left hand and right hand

We use 2 dominant weapons wielding hands

We use 12 basic grips that are also used for projectiles releases

We can use any of our blades as projectiles and carry 10 or more blades while training

We use a 3 dimensional thinking pattern to trigger a response

We use power assist movements, winding and “S” pattern strikes

We use a training belt and carry system for 27 training blades

We use projectiles, whips and other flexible weapons

We train in realistic time, one movement for one movement

We use a buddy-buddy system in a multiple man situation

We use a medical damage control and management system

We teach and use non-linear striking

The Sayoc tri-system is energy based and is only taught in that method

Does your art have solo or two-man forms? If no, why not. If yes, describe their characteristics and when they are introduced?

Sayoc Kali stresses the need for two-man forms. It is only through physical contact that one can learn how the body will move and react. These are introduced almost immediately in one’s training. The forms appear more as skirmishes than dance like movements.

Any movement that is repeated for memory or for practice is considered a form to us, though we do not have numbered forms or a series in which they are performed.

We do not utilize any time to train in forms other than for memory installation and ocular mapping. The reason why is because this system is energy based and can only be taught and transmitted in that method.

The movement of precision cutting and penetrating cannot be exercised effectively without the presence of a live moving, thinking and reacting target.

Our strategies and tactics are based on our targets reactions, so trying to achieve this skill in the practice of forms would be detrimental to our progress.

We practice solo training drills for endurance, speed, power, static precision and other attributes but we hone ourselves with others of lesser to greater skills.

Does your art have training drills?

Sayoc Kali has many training drills. They are only considered training drills when you are NOT intending to stop your receiver permanently.

Most of our training is generated from two-man or multiple man training drills. We believe that there is nothing better than a living, breathing, thinking and responsive training partners that will give you back what you give.

The skills and intellect of your training partners will build and mold your own attributes through the error of your training partners or by your own hands.

Every category in the Sayoc system has two-man drills. Many of the drills and training methods of Sayoc Kali involve partner training. The given individual holding the blade, and delivering a series of techniques to a partner is termed, the feeder.

The recipient of the delivered blade attack is termed, the receiver. Since the Sayoc methodology is aggressive, the feeder learns to draw his weapons from different carry positions with speed and intent.

Obviously, the blades can be drawn and used to deliver a cut to an aggressor or an opponent. In addition, the Sayoc Kali practitioner learns to use his weapons to do other things as well.

The drawn blades may be lodged into an opponent, thus now serving as a “handle” to be used in maneuvering an opponent into desired positions or the drawn blades may be used to pin an opponent’s limb to the body or some environmental asset, to hold an opponent stationary.

Due to the nature of the techniques, many of these movements cannot be practiced fully, so in the simulation, the penetrating blades are voluntarily released.

From these types of positions, with a single blade already lodged into an opponent, it makes sense to deploy another blade which is available for use against an aggressor, if it may be easier and faster to draw such blade and use it against a particular target.

Using these types of concepts and strategies opens ones’ mind to various possibilities and uses of edged weapons. To properly train the mindset for these types of variables it is important to learn how to carry and draw blades from various positions on the body. As drills are progressed, more and more blades are carried on ones’ person, holstered and deployed in practice.

As a given blade is submitted or released from the hand, additional blades are available to be drawn, or, the practitioner can have blades strategically lodged in the opponent or the environment, which can be used later if needed.

Do you have free sparring? If no, why, what kind, how is it done, how do you train for it?

Sayoc Kali does have free sparring. As the students progress, they are encouraged to escalate the amount of pressure applied to their partners in whatever way they know how to do…the partners are also expected to increase their level of response, the objective being to gain control of an opponent during practice.

Sayoc Kali varies the contact involved in sparring sessions, depending on what skill is being focused on for that lesson. Entry skills can be practiced utilizing rules that call for the first lethal blow with a weapon to an opponent wins as in a modified western fencing rule (without the restriction of lateral movement or empty hand counters).

Another can be a full contact match to submission. Some sparring sessions only utilize an impact weapon with the addition of grappling, others are against multiple opponents. Sayoc Kali uses a diversity of sparring scenarios to better illustrate to the student their weaknesses and strengths.

The only way to train for this is to practice steadily and continuously, and seek out correct responses using the formulas as presented. Because the system is energy based, contact is essential.

All of our training drills have a free style exercise to them that is considered free sparring. Strategies are also taught to force opponents into vital postures and positioning, making them vulnerable to the practitioners’ skill.

The projectiles enable us to effectively make the opponents’ reactions predictable. As weapons are thrown at an opponent, it is clear to see whether or not, the opponents have a viable defense against such attacks.

These projectiles also serve to keep an opponent out balance, and cause them to move and react in ways to slow them down from either reaching their own weapons, or causing them to be in an awkward position as the Sayoc practitioner closes in.

By observing the opponents’ body mechanics in reaction to the thrown weapons, it is possible to predict target areas and further projectiles may be applied toward them.

Typically, if enough weapons are available, the projectiles would be directed towards either side of an opponent, and at the centerline.

Some of the targets chosen would be towards the feet or the thighs, and obviously towards the face. Various trajectories, and speeds of the throws will be used against opponents to facilitate a desired response.

In the free sparring, the goal is to gain lethal entry and maintain the lethal entry status until the targets is immobilize or you achieve total body dismemberment without sustaining injury.

“Primal or offhand reflexive responses are more likely to occur against aggressive movements which are unfamiliar to you.”

“The left hand vital templates counter the right hand vital templates and there is a third set of vital templates which counter both”

“Knife fighting is an educated fighter’s territory, the more informed you are, the better your chances will be”

“Our system of blade operation has no visible targets; all of our targets are under the skin. For that reason, a number of the designs of our blades are made for cutting from the inside out.” … Chris Sayoc